Sports Equipment

Sports equipment is a multi-billion dollar industry worldwide. There are literally hundreds of commonly played sports, and each has its own unique equipment needs. From traditional games such as soccer and baseball, to the more modern alternative sports such as skateboarding and base jumping, the world of sporting goods is nearly infinite.

Home fitness gear is among the most popular categories of sports equipment. Each year in this country billions of dollars are spent on fitness items for the home. These items can be as simple as a pair of dumbbells, or as complex as a home nautilus system. Fitness videos and DVDs also make up a large share of this annual revenue. Much of this equipment is purchased from local sporting goods retailers, but it can also be purchased through online dealers, or in many cases, from television infomercials.

Footwear is another large piece of the overall sports equipment market. Most sports such as football, soccer, baseball and basketball require specialized shoes. In football and soccer, cleats are used to increase traction on grass surfaces. Basketball shoes use specially designed, flat tread surfaces in order to more firmly adhere to the wooden court. Running shoes and designed with specialized soles and insoles that are made to help absorb the shock on your ankles and knees. Because there are some many manufacturers and styles, athletic shoe companies spend millions of dollars each year on advertising in an attempt to stand out in the crowd.

In recent years, golf has gained considerable ground in the world of sports equipment sales. Once mainly confined to country clubs and the well-to-do, golf has recently seen a sort of renaissance among the general populace. It is now fairly common place for the average garage to contain at least one bag of clubs, right along side the ski equipment and baseball gear. As a result, public golf courses have begun springing up all over the country, in nearly every city.

Most sports equipment is easily located through a local sporting goods dealer. These are often large, box stores, but specialists can be found for most sports as well. Where these dealers can not be found locally, a quick search online will often lead to dozens of options.